Do You Eat Too Much Protein? [Infographic]

August 10, 2012 | By Kristin

Full disclosure: I’m a vegetarian and an aspiring vegan. That being said, I believe that it is very natural to eat meat. We’ve been doing it forever. Animals eat other animals. Very natural. What isn’t natural or good is how much meat we do eat. Read on to see what I learned about our protein habits!

Definition of ‘ounce equivalent': “What counts as an ounce equivalent in the Protein Foods Group? In general, 1 ounce of meat, poultry or fish, ¼ cup cooked beans, 1 egg, 1 tablespoon of peanut butter, or ½ ounce of nuts or seeds can be considered as 1 ounce equivalent from the Protein Foods Group.”

Note regarding the USDA’s recommendation for protein consumption: “These amounts are appropriate for individuals who get less than 30 minutes per day of moderate physical activity, beyond normal daily activities. Those who are more physically active may be able to consume more while staying within calorie needs.”